Christmas Party

We spent the day with a variety of projects. We hung snow in the windows since there wasn't any real snow.


Then we made our party treats.








We beaded snowflake ornaments.











We also finished up our iBooks that we have been creating.





Happy holidays everyone!

Posted by Cindy Schimel

Battle of the Books

Today was our Battle of the Books kick off and we are ready to READ! I heard many students say they were adding books to their Christmas lists, so here is the list we will do battle on.

Book List

 

Poppy by Avi (1995) 

 Alvin Ho: Allergic to Girls, School, and other Scary Things by Lenore Look (2008). 
The Arrow Over the Door by Joseph Bruchac (2002).

The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau (2003). 
Diamond Willow by Helen Frost (2008)

Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key by Jack Gantos (1999 
Keeping Score by Linda Sue Park (2008) 
Masterpiece by Elise Broach (2008

Paint the Wind by Pam Muñoz Ryan (2007 
Rapunzel's Revenge by Shannon and Dean Hale (2008) 
Secret Identity by Wendelin Van Draanen (2004) 
Small steps: The Year I Got Polio by Peg Kehret (1996) 
The Willoughbys by Lois Lowry (2008    Pool play will be on Feb. 12 after school unless someone on the team can not stay after school. I am sending home a permission slip for you to sign if you are willing to have your child participate in the after school pool play. No one will be left out if they can not stay after school. They would participate in the pool play during school hours. If you have questions, please call or email.

 

Razkids Reading

We have started working on division and I thought it would be the perfect time to use QR codes. Students worked with their partner to scan each QR code and then showed the solution on their paper using numbers, pictures, and words. Using the QR codes provided a nice opportunity for students to get up and move a little between each problem. Once they scanned their next problem, they were ready to settle in and solve the next one.


Enjoying every moment,
Cindy Schimel

Location:QR Code Math

Reindeer Cookies

We have received enough compliments to have a celebration, so we chose to make some cookies. First we had to figure out how many supplies we needed and how much it would all cost.
Here is what one groups work.


We also received the iPod that we purchased for our Uganda friends. We will send it as soon as we buy a cover for it. I can't wait to see what they do with it.


Here is what our cookies looked like.














Enjoying every moment,
Cindy Schimel

Can Food Drive & Hat Day

Many of us wore a hat on Friday in support of our amazing Principal and also donated some can food to help others through the holidays.


Enjoying every moment,
Cindy Schimel

Writing

We have written our rough draft of our personal stories. Here students are peer editing their work.


Students have become great self managers and enjoyed our latest Minute To Win It competition. We tried to drop a coin into a small cup inside another can filled with water. We cheered each other on and celebrated each victory.




Enjoying every moment,
Cindy Schimel

Writing & Music

We are preparing for our Christmas Concert which is at 1:00 on December 6th at the Vert.



We started writing our personal stories today and I am so excited to hear more. We have great writers. Stay tuned to see our finished work in the near future.


Enjoying every moment,
Cindy Schimel

New Websites

Math Mangahigh Site

Animal Research Site

Letters to Uganda

We had fun today working on our final copy of our letters to our friends in Uganda. We also are using the Pic Collage app to create a fun picture to send them. There were 32 photographers in the room organizing shots like this one.




Did I tell you we received a grant from Altrusa International to purchase an iPod for the Uganda friends? Now we are in the process of ordering and shipping the iPod. Then we will both post pictures and letters to each other through the joint blog. More on that as it develops.

Enjoying every moment,
Cindy Schimel

Candy Elevator

I am hooked on iMovie. It doesn't hurt that I have a few hams too.
We had fun celebrating our good behavior with participation in the Candy Elevator competition.

Paper Wasp Nest

TP brought in a paper wasp nest and we dissected it. We found it had many layers surrounding the brood nursery.






We found all kinds of insect parts too.








Then we learned that they are water proof so we had to test it out. Sure enough, they are! The water stayed on the outer layer.



Thank you TP and family for sharing your find with us.

Enjoying every moment,
Cindy Schimel

Awards Assembly

I was proud to present these students with an award for citizenship during our school assembly today.

 

We are reading a great book called, There is a Boy in the Girls Bathroom.

It has many twists and turns. I wonder how it will end.

 

Movie Premieres

Dim the lights, grab your popcorn, and snuggle up, it's time for our McKay's movie premiere!
Now showing are our helpful, and hopefully, informative videos created just for YOU!

iDevices




 QR Codes 


Edmodo Fun



Woo Hoo Bingo



Audioboo (app)


Our Behavior


I would say our first attempts are pretty good. Now many of us are planning the next project. Stay tuned, they sound very good.

Neon Spirt Day

A great looking group.


Enjoying every moment,
Cindy Schimel

Multiplication Bridge Trick Video

We have our first completely student made video to share with you. See what you think.

Video Progress

I am having so much fun watching collaboration, cooperation, and creativity going on with our video projects.












Enjoying every moment,
Cindy Schimel

Happy Halloween

Not great pictures but gives you an idea of our day.

















Enjoying every moment,
Cindy Schimel

Reading the Newspaper(s)

I brought in the newspaper article that was about our classroom and everyone enjoyed reading it today.

Each morning we start our day with reading an article from the Tween Tribune website. We love to find math in our reading and KB challenged us to solve her multistep math problem based on the story.  She asked, "How much will Mitik weigh when he is 16 weeks old?"

Check out Tween Tribune and let us know what you enjoyed reading about.


Enjoying every moment,
Cindy Schimel

Video Projects

Boy do we have a treat for you!
Last week we came up with a list of things we do at school that maybe you don't completely understand. No worries, we are in the process of writing a script and then we will produce a short video to explain it all to you.


We are working in small groups and really focusing on listening to each other. I am very pleased with how well everyone is participating and valuing their partners.





The East Oregonian came in today and wants to run an article on idevice projects, so you might get to read about us in two locations, here and in the newspaper.


We will post the finished videos here on the blog when they are complete.

Enjoying every moment,
Cindy Schimel

Dance Party

We enjoyed a little fun during our lunch recess Wednesday after listening to Taylor Swift's interview on Scholastic.

Special Visitors

Today we joined a webcast with Taylor Swift and Scholastic. Students from around the United States asked questions about how she grew up and about her success. She emphasized reading anything and everything, learn as much as you can, and surround yourself with people that make you feel good.



Later this afternoon we completed our first ebook.



Just as we went to see it all put together, Susan, our custodian came in and said she heard we were making a book and wanted to see it. We thought, "Cool, our first book and first audience member!" Well, it got even better. She brought us some homemade pie to celebrate!



We ended the day feeling pretty special.
What has someone done for you that made you feel special or appreciated? We would love to hear your stories.

Enjoying every moment,
Cindy Schimel